Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Hampton, VA: $107,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Hampton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $107,773/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Hampton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $104,431 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for seasoned surgical technologists in Hampton, Virginia, indicate a promising trajectory, especially for those at the top of the scale. With a projected salary of $107,773 for the 90th percentile (P90) in 2026, experienced professionals in this field can significantly enhance their earnings through specialization and advanced credentials. The median annual salary of $70,244 reflects a noticeable gap between general compensation and top-tier earnings, highlighting the experience premium available in this region. Achieving such heights in pay typically requires a mix of extensive experience, additional certifications like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), and expertise in niche surgical disciplines.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hampton earn between $89,579 and $107,773 per year (2026 est.). This $57,043 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hampton median of $70,244 sits 3.09% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Hampton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $70,244 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,579 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $107,773 | $102,175 |
In Hampton, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 53.43% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Hampton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $70,244 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hampton employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Hampton command premium compensation, often reaching the $89,579–$107,773 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hampton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Hampton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Virginia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hampton
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHampton ranks #4 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $107,773).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Hampton ($107,773) is 9.06% above the Virginia average P90 ($98,822).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,312
2025 BLS Actual
$102,251
2026 Current Est.
$107,773
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,115 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,864 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,251 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,592 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Hampton saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $75,312 in 2019 to $102,251 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $113,592 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Hampton
Analyzing the factors that influence senior surgical technologist pay in VA reveals a competitive landscape. Specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery command the highest compensation, while roles in orthopedic and robotic surgery (especially for those certified in the da Vinci system) also offer lucrative opportunities. Employers vary widely—from hospital operating rooms to ambulatory surgery centers and military units—each offering different compensation packages. Advancement opportunities such as lead surgical tech positions or OR supervisor roles often lead to higher salaries, as do obtaining advanced credentials from accredited programs. Non-salary compensation also plays a role, with options like specialty differentials and call coverage contributing to overall earnings. Aspiring senior surgical technologists in Hampton are encouraged to consider these factors, as they can significantly influence their trajectory in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Hampton in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Hampton?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Hampton?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Hampton?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Hampton?
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $102,251 for surgical technologists in the Hampton metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hampton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov